Lilis by Helen Hay Whitney (1929)
The novel revolves around a young woman's journey to self-discovery and independence. It explores themes of identity, morality, and the constraints placed on women during that era. The protagonist navigates complex relationships and societal expectations, ultimately leading her towards a path of personal growth and transformation.
By Helen Hay Whitney · First published 1929 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Drama · 89 words
First lines
We have forgiven you because you are so fair, Eloquent by virtue of your dark enchanting eyes, Evil to your heart of hearts, shall we blame or care, You are very beautiful, and love has made you wise.
With a splendid insolence you exist to sin, Scorn us for the weaknesses that bring us to our pain. Weak you are and false you are and never may we win, Yet we have forgiven you, and shall forgive again.
What this Textopian page supports
Lilis is listed on Textopian as a poem by Helen Hay Whitney, dated 1929 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Helen Hay Whitney
- Date: 1929 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Drama, Tragedy
- Length: 89 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Lilis by Helen Hay Whitney
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Lilis?
- How does this poem by Helen Hay Whitney fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Choice Of Cyril Harjohn by K. Jerome
- My Words That Once Were Virtuous by Edna St Vincent Millay
- The Dark Woman by Helen Hay Whitney
- Undine Lyrics Of Labour And Romance by Henry Van Dyke
- The Middle Years by Henry James
- This Is Mine And I Can Hold It by Edna St Vincent Millay
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Romance — Themes of love and forgiveness are central to the text, aligning with romantic literature.
- Drama — The emotional intensity and exploration of human relationships suggest dramatic elements.
- Tragedy — The themes of pain, weakness, and inevitable forgiveness hint at tragic undertones.
Tags
Feminist · Literary Fiction · Coming-of-Age · Autobiographical · Memoir · Romance · Social Commentary · Psychological Insight · Self-Discovery · Identity Crisis · Family Dynamics · Marriage
More by Helen Hay Whitney
- Sonnets (1905)
- Songs (1905)
- Some Verses: Sonnets: THE DAYS (1898)
- Some Verses: Sonnets: THE EVERLASTING SNOWS (1898)
- Some Verses: Sonnets: THRONE AND ALTAR (1898)
- Some Verses: Sonnets: EAST AND WEST (1898)
- Some Verses: Sonnets: THE BATTLE (1898)
- Some Verses: Sonnets: WATER AND WINE (1898)
- All works by Helen Hay Whitney